Public Comments for 01/20/2026 General Laws - ABC/Gaming
HB49 - Pari-mutuel wagering; historical horse racing, percentage retained for distribution.
No Comments Available
HB218 - Casino gaming; consideration of service permit application.
Last Name: Sharif Locality: Reston

Break from state precedent: Virginia’s existing casino policy limits authorizations to economically distressed localities; SB 756 instead targets a thriving region contributing around 20% of Virginia’s General Fund revenue.

Last Name: Lindell Locality: Fairfax county, vienna, Tyson’s

I live in Wolf Trap Woods in Tyson’s. I am against casino gambling in Tyson’s. Casino gaming is a regressive tax. It doesn’t benefit the neighborhood. The jobs created don’t outweigh the very real dangers of gambling addiction. Traffic in tysons is bad as it is and can’t withstand more traffic. Locate it far away from Tyson’s, or better yet, outside of Virginia. We can find better uses for our tax dollars than to support casino owners. The taxes it brings in won’t make up for the societal ills and negatives.

Last Name: Doll Locality: Vienna

I am writing to express my concern for the potential of having a casino in Tysons corner of Virginia. There is no positive benefit to the residence of the area, and this type of establishment will not bring in benefits to the residence… Only to the owners. Casinos are known to be linked with higher crime and other traffic challenges as well as various negative impacts to an area. Please do not allow this casino to move forward.

Last Name: Mostafaei Locality: Great Falls

Veto the bill.

Last Name: Rynkiewicz Locality: Falls Church

NO TO CASINO IN FAIRFAX. They increase crime and attract a bad element. Keep them out of Fairfax County.

Last Name: Haugland Organization: Self Locality: Fairfax

I oppose any casinos in Fairfax Co. or VA. They bring crime and other issues.

Last Name: Ward Locality: Annandale

Object to all said bills and any casios developments.

Last Name: Cooke Locality: McLean

HB 218: Please vote NO to forcing a referendum on allowing a casino in Fairfax County. This bill, if passed would set a serious precedent for all communities in that local, elected government officials did not initiate this request as described under current law. In addition, the local voters have already made it clear that we do not want a casino, we should not have to formally vote, our officials have already listened. The precedent here is that every community can have 'outsiders' force a change that benefits a few. This can include your district and would represent a 'sell-out' to money interests. Local, elected officials should initiate requests for support/action, especailly as it affects local land use and zoning.

Last Name: Nguyen Locality: Great Falls

I oppose SB 756. Virginia’s existing casino policy limits authorizations to economically distressed localities; SB 756 instead targets a thriving region contributing around 20% of Virginia’s General Fund revenue.

Last Name: Hawes Locality: Falls church

Protect the integrity of the state and residents from the fiscal and civic dangers if gaming it every damaging iteration. The negatives far out way any gains., especially fir this state abd especially for Fairfax county, a county which has provided the state with vital progressive leadership.

Last Name: Casey-Landry Locality: Mclean

Strongly oppose a casino in the Tyson's area. Already too congested and would lead to increased traffic and most likely to increased crime.

Last Name: Springer Locality: Vienna

A casino in Vienna is an outrageous and immoral tactic suggested by people who dont live here. The area is low crime but high traffic because of the still expanding Tyson’s Corner shopping mall. In addition, Vienna residents have very stable government jobs and have not shown any interest in a gambling venture that could increase personal debt, dangerous crime, ok and traffic fatalities. Vienna residents have already indicated they don’t want this casino so I don’t understand why people in Richmond are still pushing to make it happen. The state of Maryland already has a gambling venture that can be accessed from Vienna in less than 60 minutes for anyone who wants to gamble. So in effect you are proposing a risky venture that already has competition. My own professional work has included helping people whose lives have been affected by addiction and gambling is one of those issues. Please do not do this. It is not healthy or cost effective and could bring crime and other unhealthy behavior to our beautiful Town of Vienna.

Last Name: Caputo-Keene Locality: Town of Vienna

This bill has been previously review. The majority of the population that this would effect are against the proposal. This second chance for approval must be stopped.

Last Name: Pettrone Locality: Fairfax

No casino in Tyson's. Increase in crime. Increase in traffic. Increase in drug sales. Minors will be negatively affected.

Last Name: Cuadros Locality: Fairfax

No casinos in Fairfax

Last Name: Selland Locality: Vienna, VA

Surveys show roughly 75% of Fairfax County residents oppose a casino, cutting across demographics and political lines; 66% of residents associated with unions who were polled oppose a casino. We do not want this, it is a family centered county. Keep it out.

Last Name: Lewis Locality: Mclean

I oppose the building of ANY casino in Fairfax.

Last Name: Nichols Locality: McLean

Virginia’s existing casino policy limits authorizations to economically distressed localities; SB 756 instead targets a thriving region contributing around 20% of Virginia’s General Fund revenue. This is only one reason to vote against this bill

Last Name: Mikler Locality: Vienna

I oppose the proposed casino in Tysons because it conflicts with the community’s long-term vision and would introduce significant social, economic, and infrastructure challenges. Tysons and Vienna have worked for decades to evolve into balanced, walkable communities with strong business districts, residential neighborhoods, and access to public transit. A casino would undermine that progress by prioritizing short-term revenue over sustainable development. Casinos are proven to increase traffic congestion, strain public safety resources, and bring higher rates of problem gambling, which disproportionately affects vulnerable residents. The promised economic benefits are often overstated, while local costs—policing, addiction services, and infrastructure wear—fall on taxpayers. Tysons and Vienna already face congestion and growth pressures; adding a casino would intensify these issues without delivering meaningful community value. Fairfax County should focus on development that supports innovation, quality of life, and family-friendly amenities—not a destination that risks altering the character of Tysons and Vienna and creating long-term social costs that outweigh any temporary financial gain. ——————————————- I support eliminating certain products and cosmetics that contain harmful or unnecessary ingredients because consumer safety and long-term health should come first. Many everyday items still include chemicals linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, environmental damage, or long-term health risks, despite safer alternatives being available. Removing these products from the market encourages innovation, greater transparency, and higher manufacturing standards. It also protects children, pregnant women, and individuals with sensitivities who are often most vulnerable to toxic exposure. By prioritizing clean, responsibly sourced ingredients, we can reduce environmental impact, limit chemical buildup in our bodies, and create a marketplace that values well-being over profit.

Last Name: Aguirre Locality: Fairfax

No casino!!!

Last Name: Lawrence Organization: NexGen Business Enterprises Locality: Henrico, Virginia

I fully support HB 218 because it simply puts Virginians back to work with honesty, dignity, and respect for the Commonwealth’s trust. This legislation recognizes that people can grow beyond their past. It creates opportunities for employers to hire skilled, qualified individuals without compromising safety or integrity. Many Virginians—myself included—are not the same people we were decades ago. Growth, accountability, and rehabilitation matter. HB 218 removes unnecessary barriers while maintaining clear standards for serious offenses. It allows individuals who are ready to work to care for themselves, their families, and contribute meaningfully to our economy. The workforce strengthens communities. When we open doors to opportunity, we reduce recidivism, support workforce stability, and affirm that redemption is possible. Through HB218 will embark upon thriving and not just surviving in cities and counties across Virginia. HB 218 reflects the values of fairness, responsibility, and progress that Virginia stands for. I am Clovia Lawrence and thanks for allowing me to share this afternoon

HB367 - Consultation with federally recognized tribes; permits and reviews, etc.
No Comments Available
HB368 - American Indians, Virginia and federally recognized tribes; establishes definitions, sovereignty.
Last Name: Mikler Locality: Vienna

I oppose the proposed casino in Tysons because it conflicts with the community’s long-term vision and would introduce significant social, economic, and infrastructure challenges. Tysons and Vienna have worked for decades to evolve into balanced, walkable communities with strong business districts, residential neighborhoods, and access to public transit. A casino would undermine that progress by prioritizing short-term revenue over sustainable development. Casinos are proven to increase traffic congestion, strain public safety resources, and bring higher rates of problem gambling, which disproportionately affects vulnerable residents. The promised economic benefits are often overstated, while local costs—policing, addiction services, and infrastructure wear—fall on taxpayers. Tysons and Vienna already face congestion and growth pressures; adding a casino would intensify these issues without delivering meaningful community value. Fairfax County should focus on development that supports innovation, quality of life, and family-friendly amenities—not a destination that risks altering the character of Tysons and Vienna and creating long-term social costs that outweigh any temporary financial gain. ——————————————- I support eliminating certain products and cosmetics that contain harmful or unnecessary ingredients because consumer safety and long-term health should come first. Many everyday items still include chemicals linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, environmental damage, or long-term health risks, despite safer alternatives being available. Removing these products from the market encourages innovation, greater transparency, and higher manufacturing standards. It also protects children, pregnant women, and individuals with sensitivities who are often most vulnerable to toxic exposure. By prioritizing clean, responsibly sourced ingredients, we can reduce environmental impact, limit chemical buildup in our bodies, and create a marketplace that values well-being over profit.

HB385 - Alcoholic beverage control; operation of government stores, tastings.
Last Name: Ward Locality: Annandale

Object to all said bills and any casios developments.

HB396 - Charitable gaming; definitions, Texas Hold'em poker tournaments, minimum age to participate.
Last Name: Ward Locality: Annandale

Object to all said bills and any casios developments.

Last Name: Hawes Locality: Falls church

Protect the integrity of the state and residents from the fiscal and civic dangers if gaming it every damaging iteration. The negatives far out way any gains., especially fir this state abd especially for Fairfax county, a county which has provided the state with vital progressive leadership.

Last Name: McGreevy Locality: Fairfax

No casino in Tysons Corner. Issue with traffic and crime. Residents of 22182 do not want their neighborhood that close to a gambling concern.

Last Name: Jones Organization: Virginia Moose Lodges Locality: Bedford, Virginia

The Virginia Moose Association is one of the largest, and most charitable, volunteer-led service organizations in the Commonwealth. Virginia has 78 Moose Lodges with 62,000 Members in every region of the Commonwealth. We strongly support Chairman Krizek's bill to raise the age from 18 to 21 to play in a Texas Hole 'em tournament.

HB399 - Charitable gaming; regulations, predetermined percentage of receipts.
Last Name: Ward Locality: Annandale

Object to all said bills and any casios developments.

Last Name: Hawes Locality: Falls church

Protect the integrity of the state and residents from the fiscal and civic dangers if gaming it every damaging iteration. The negatives far out way any gains., especially fir this state abd especially for Fairfax county, a county which has provided the state with vital progressive leadership.

HB515 - Sports betting; prohibition on use of credit cards.
Last Name: Pettrone Locality: Fairfax

No casino in Tyson's. Increase in crime. Increase in traffic. Increase in drug sales. Minors will be negatively affected.

End of Comments